Barrel Nut Assembly

ABSTRACT

A fastener assembly for securing two components to one another. The fastener assembly includes a barrel or pin that has a radially extending hole in the barrel. The pin also has a reduced diametrical portion on at least one end to form a shoulder and possibly on both ends. The pin is inserted into a hole formed into a hollow or sandwich component. The shoulder engages against a wall on the component to orient and secure the pin in the hole. A threaded fastener is then inserted transversely through the two components to engage in the radially extending hole. The threaded fastener is then rotated to secure the two components t o one another.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional patentapplication Ser. No. 12/122,546 filed on May 16, 2008, which isincorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of fasteners and particularly to thefield of barrel nut assemblies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This often becomes necessary to secure two abutting components togetherwith fasteners. These can be a problem if the fasteners are not able toextend the full width of the components, such as in a panel, post orother larger member. Another problem occurs when one of the componentsis hollow such as in a tube, a sandwich panel, composite material orwhen the material of the component is not sufficiently strong to engageand hold a fastener.

One type of fastener that has been used in the past is a barrel nutfastener. barrel nut fasteners have been widely used in severalindustries, including, for example, aeronautics, construction andfurniture, utilizing applications where a first component, such as apanel, is to be fastened to another component. Barrel nut fastenerstypically have two components, a cylindrical pin with a radial tappedhole and an elongated bolt that is received in the radial tapped hole.The cylindrical pin is inserted in a transverse hole in the panel withthe radial tapped hole is aligned with a through hole in the firstcomponent. The bolt is inserted through the second component and intothe through hole until it engages in the radial tapped hole. The bolt isthen rotated to fasten the first component and second component to oneanother.

One of the problems associated with the previous barrel nut fasteners isthe alignment of the cylindrical pin in the transverse hole. The pintends to slide transversely or rotate within the hole. This can befrustrating and increase the assembly time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves these and other problems by providing afastening system that allows two components to be fastened to oneanother even if one or both of the components has a hollow portion. Thepresent invention enables the fasteners to be aligned and orientedrelative to one another.

The present invention, in a preferred embodiment provides a pin that canbe inserted into a hole formed into a hollow portion of one of thecomponents. The pin has a radially extending threaded portion that willengage with a threaded fastener. The pin also has diametrically reducedend portions so that shoulders are formed on each end of the pin. Theseshoulders engage with the side walls of the hollow portion of thecomponent to align and secure the pin in the correct position. Thethreaded fastener is then inserted through the other component and intothe hollow portion until it engages with the radially extending threadedportion of the pin. The threaded fastener is then rotated to draw thepin towards the other component so that the components are securelyfastened.

The pin, in another preferred embodiment, includes a slot on one end ofthe pin. This allows the blade of a tool to be inserted into the slotand rotate the pin until the radially threaded hole is properly alignedwith the threaded fastener.

The pin, in another preferred embodiment has only one reduced portion onone end of the pin to form only one shoulder. This end is inserted inthe hole of the hollow component until that shoulder engages against thewall of the component to align and secure the pin. This embodiment isparticularly useful when the width of the pin is greater than the widthof the component.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention has notches formedon one or both ends of the pin rather than the circumferentialindentations. The notches then engage in the sidewalls of the component.

These and other features of the present invention will be evident fromthe ensuing detailed descriptions of preferred embodiments and drawingsthereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of the pin of a preferred embodiment of thefastener assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an end view of the pin of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the threaded fastener of a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the pin of FIG. 1 beinginserted into a hollow tube.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the pin and threaded fastener of theembodiment of FIG. 1 securing two components together.

FIG. 6 is a perspective cutaway view of the fastener assembly of theembodiment of FIG. 1 securing two components to one another.

FIG. 7 is another perspective cutaway view of the fastener assemblysecuring two other components together.

FIG. 8 is a side view of another embodiment of the pin of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 is a side view of another embodiment of the pin of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the pin of FIG. 9 insertedinto a hollow component.

FIG. 11 is a perspective cutaway view illustrating the pin of FIG. 9inserted into a hollow component.

FIG. 12 is a perspective cutaway view illustrating the pin with dualslots and clips securing the pin in the component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention, in a preferred embodiment, provides an improvedbarrel nut fastener assembly. A preferred embodiment of the presentinvention is described below. It is to be expressly understood that thisdescriptive embodiment is provided for explanatory purposes only, and isnot meant to unduly limit the scope of the present invention as setforth in the claims. Other embodiments of the present invention areconsidered to be within the scope of the claimed inventions, includingnot only those embodiments that would be within the scope of one skilledin the art, but also as encompassed in technology developed in thefuture.

A preferred embodiment of a barrel nut fastener of the present inventionis illustrated in FIGS. 1-10. This preferred embodiment is described foruse with tube members but it is to be expressly understood that thepreferred embodiment can be used to fasten any other types ofcomponents.

Barrel nut fastener assembly 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-3. The barrel nutfastener assembly includes cylindrical pin 20 and bolt 40. Thecylindrical pin 20 includes reduced diametrical portions 22, 24 on eachend 26, 28 of the cylindrical pin. The reduced diametrical portions 22,24 form shoulders 30, 32 on the pin.

While this preferred embodiment describes a cylindrical pin, the pin canbe any desired geometrical shape. A cylindrical pin is preferred sincethe pin will be inserted into a hole which is normally cylindrical aswell, but other shapes may be used as well. The end portion 26 of thecylindrical pin includes a transverse slot 34 for receiving the blade ofa screwdriver. Other shapes of slots can be used as well such as forreceiving a Phillips screwdriver blade, an alien wrench, or any othertype of bit or tool. Preferably the slot 34 is in alignment with radialwhole 36 discussed below. In an alternative embodiment, the cylindricalpin 20 does not include the slot on the end of the pin.

Radial hole 36 is formed in a center of the cylindrical pin 20. Thishole is tapped to form threads 38 that will receive the bolt 40 asdescribed in greater detail. The bolt 40 is a standard bolt having ahead portion 42, shank portion 44 and threaded portion 46. Any type ofbolt, screw or threaded fastener can be used in lieu of the descriptivebolt illustrated in FIG. 3.

The barrel nut assembly 10 is used to secure two parts together, such asa rail 50 and post or panel 60 as shown in FIG. 4. The pin 20 isinserted into a transverse hole 62 in the posts 60 as illustrated by thearrow in FIG. 4. The transverse hole 62 has a diameter larger than theouter diameter of the pin 20. The length of the pin 20 is approximatelythe length of the transverse hole. If the post 60 is solid, then the pincan be shorter than the width of the post. The shoulders 28, 30 formedon the pin will engage against the walls of the hollow post as shown inFIG. 5. This initially helps to align the pin so that the radial hole 36is properly aligned.

The bolt 40 is inserted into a radially extending hole 52 that extendsthrough the first component 50 and into the second component 60 until itengages in the radial hole 36 of the pin. The pin 20 can be rotated by ascrewdriver or tool engaging in slot 34 until the radial hole 36 isaligned with the bolt 40. Since the slot 34 is aligned with the radialhole 36, it will be easy to determine the correct orientation. Once thebolt 40 and radial whole 36 are properly aligned, the bolt can berotated so the threads of the bolt engage with the threads of the pin todraw the pin towards the head of the bolt as shown in FIG. 5. This willtighten and secure the rail 50 against the post 60.

As the pin 20 is moved towards the head of the bolt 40 during thetightening process, the shoulders 28, 30 on the pin 20 engage againstthe sides of the whole 52. This provides a more secure engagement andalso keeps the pin 20 properly aligned. The pin 20 will be unable to beaccidentally dislodged or moved out of alignment. The barrel nutfastener assembly of this preferred embodiment in use is shown indifferent views in FIGS. 6 and 7.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 8. This pin 80 of this preferred embodiment has a reduced portion82 on only end of the pin 80 that forms a shoulder 84. This pin is usedin a similar manner as the earlier described pin except the shoulder 84only engages on one wall. The pin of this embodiment will slightly cockas the bolt is tightened against the pin but will prevent accidentaldislodgement.

Another preferred embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11. Thepin 90 of this preferred embodiment includes a circumferential notch 92formed near one end of the pin. The pin also includes a slotted end 94and a radially extending threaded hole 96. It is used in a mannersimilar to the earlier described embodiments. Once the pin is insertedinto the transverse hole of a hollow tube or other component, the notch92 engages the wall of the tube to secure the pin and align the pin. Thebolt then pulls the pin so that the notch will engage against the walland prevent accidental dislodgement or misalignment of the pin. Also,not only is the pin nut locked in the tube, the engagement of the slotin the side of the tubing puts pressure on the threads of the bolt toprevent the bolt from loosening due to vibration.

Another preferred embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 12. The pin nut 100includes two circumferential slots 102, 104 formed near each end of thepin respectively along with the radially extending threaded hole 110.Clips 112, 114 are engaged in the slots 102, 104, respectively, once thepin 100 is inserted in the tubing hole. The clips 112, 114 prevent thepin from sliding out of the tubing accidentally.

The present invention has widespread applications, particularly forhollow tubing, hollow or composite panels, or any other applicationwhere two components are to be fastened to one another. In particular,the present invention has utility for fastening components where thefasteners are not able to extend fully through both components or one ofthe components is hollow or not able to structurally secure a fastener.

One example of the application of the present invention is found in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 111767,166 assigned to the assignee of thepresent application. In this application, a receiver mounted cargocarrier is formed from hollow tubing. The hollow tubing, as shown inFIGS. 6-12 of that application are assembled to one another by thefastening systems of the present invention. This provides a carrier thatis able to be shipped in a knock downed configuration, easily assembledwith common tools and securely fastened so that it can carry relativelyheavy cargo. Other applications include crates, trailers, and any otherapplication that requires fastening systems for hollow or other types ofcomponents.

These and other embodiments of the present invention are considered tobe within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fastener pin assembly for securing a firstcomponent and a second component to one another, comprising: a pinhaving an elongated cylindrical configuration for insertion through afirst hole in a first component, said pin having a first end and asecond end; a first circumferential channel near a first end of said pinfor mated coupling with a first edge of said first component; a threadedhole radially extending through said pin for engagement by acorresponding threaded fastener for insertion through a correspondinghole in said second component such that threadening said fastener intightened engagement with said threaded hole matingly couples said firstcircumferential channel with said first edge of said first component;and a clip attachable to said circumferential channel of said pin whenin tightened engagement with said fastener.
 2. The fastener pin assemblyof claim 1, further comprising a second circumferential channel nearsaid second end of said pin for mated coupling with said first hole ofsaid first component such that tightened engagement of said fastenerwith said threaded hole in said pin simultaneously secures said firstcircumferential channel to matingly couple with said first edge of saidfirst component and said second circumferential channel to matinglycouple with said first hole of said first component.
 3. The fastener pinof claim 1, further comprising a second hole in said first componentwherein said second hole is aligned with said first hole such thattightened engagement of said fastener with said threaded hole in saidpin simultaneously secures said first circumferential channel tomatingly couple with said second hole of said first component and saidsecond circumferential channel to matingly couple with said first holeof said first component.
 4. The fastener pin of claim 3, wherein saidsecond circumferential channel comprises a greater radial depth thansaid first circumferential channel such that said pin is canted whensaid first circumferential channel is matingly coupled with said secondhole of said first component and said second circumferential channel ismatingly coupled with said first hole of said first component.
 5. Thefastener pin of claim 1, further comprising a groove on said second endof said pin for tightening of said pin with a corresponding screwdriver.6. The fastener pin of claim 1, further comprising a head on said secondend of said pin configured for seating on said first hole in said firstcomponent such that securing said first circumferential channel inseated engagement with said first edge secures said first component andsaid second component when said fastener is in tightened engagement withsaid pin.
 7. A fastener assembly for securing a first component and asecond component to one another, wherein said fastener assemblycomprises: a pin for insertion into a first hole of said first componentand a second hole of said first component wherein said first hole andsaid second hole are in longitudinal alignment for receiving said pin,and wherein said pin has a first end and a second end; a firstcircumferential channel near said first end of said pin for matinglyseated engagement with said first hole of said first component; a secondcircumferential channel near said second end of said pin for matinglyseated engagement with said second hole of said first component; aradially extending threaded hole between said first circumferentialchannel and said second circumferential channel in said pin, forengagement by a corresponding threaded fastener for insertion through acorresponding hole in said second component such that threadening saidfastener in tightened engagement with secures said first circumferentialchannel threaded hole to matingly couple said with said first hole ofsaid first component and said second circumferential channel to matinglycouple with said second hole of said first component, wherein saidtightened engagement fastens said first component to said secondcomponent; and a first clip attachable to said first circumferentialchannel of said pin and a second clip attachable to said secondcircumferential channel of said pin when in tightened engagement withsaid fastener.
 8. The fastener assembly of claim 7, wherein said firstcircumferential channel is a greater radial depth than said secondcircumferential channel such that sad pin is canted when said firstcomponent and said second component are in tightened engagement.
 9. Afastener assembly for securing a first component and a second componentto one another, comprising: a pin for insertion through a first hole ina wall of said first component, the pin having a first end and a secondin; a first circumferential channel for mated seating with aa secondhole in an opposing wall of said first component; a threaded holeradially extending through said pin; and an elongated fastener having ahead portion and a threaded portion wherein said fastener is insertedthrough a corresponding hole in said second component and engaged withradially extending threaded hole in said pin so as to secure said firstcircumferential channel in mated coupling with said second hole of saidfirst component to thereby secure said first component and said secondcomponent when said fastener is in tightened engagement with saidthreaded hole through said pin.
 10. The fastener assembly of claim 9,wherein tightened engagement of said fastener with said threaded hole insaid pin engages said first circumferential channel to matedly couplewith said second hole such that said pin is slightly canted to therebythread lock said fastener with said threaded portion of said pin whensaid first component and said second component are in tightenedengagement.
 11. The fastener assembly of claim 9, wherein said firstcomponent further comprises a second hole aligned with said first holesuch that said pin extends through said first hole to seat saidcircumferential channel on said second hole, and wherein said pinfurther comprises a second circumferential channel around said secondend of said pin spaced apart from said circumferential channel such thattightened engagement of said fastener with said threaded hole in saidpin simultaneously secures said first circumferential channel tomatingly couple with said second hole of said first component and saidsecond circumferential channel to matingly couple with said first holeof said first component when said first component and said secondcomponent are in tightened engagement.
 12. The fastener assembly ofclaim 9, wherein said pin further comprises a head on said second end ofsaid pin spaced apart from said circumferential channel such thattightened engagement of said fastener with said radially threaded holein said pin simultaneously secures said first circumferential channel tomatingly couple with said second hole of said first component and saidhead on said first hole of said first component when said firstcomponent and said second component are in tightened engagement.
 13. Thefastener assembly of claim 9, further comprising a clip attachable tosaid circumferential channel of said pin when in tightened engagementwith said fastener.